Name: Reuben Sandwich
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 1/4 head Cabbage; 1/2 a large Lemon; 1 tbsp Olive Oil; Salt and Pepper; 2 tbsp Stone Ground Mustard; 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard; 8 slices Pumpernickel or Rye Sandwich Bread; 3 tbsp Thousand Island or Russian Dressing; 3/4 pound thinly sliced Pastrami or Corned Beef; 1/2 pound sliced Swiss or Gruyere Cheese; Lemon Roasted Cabbage

This Reuben Panini is the perfect way to use up leftover corned beef from St. Patrick’s Day! It’s a crispy, melty twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, featuring roasted cabbage, melted Swiss cheese, and corned beef—all grilled to perfection. Think grilled cheese meets a Reuben sandwich—whether you prefer it panini-style or as a Corned Beef and Sauerkraut Sandwich, it’s the ultimate comfort food!

close up shot of a reuben sandwich using leftover corned beef on a cutting board with a pickle

This recipe was originally published March 15, 2012. It has been updated from the archives to include new photos, recipe tips, and frequently asked questions.

Creating this Reuben Panini

Every year, I look forward to St. Patrick’s Day and the comforting tradition of making Corned Beef and Cabbage. Growing up, it was always on the table for the holiday, and in 2010, I made it in my own kitchen for the first time.

That experience inspired me to create my Honey Marmalade Mustard Glazed Corned Beef—a flavorful twist on the classic that has become a family favorite.

But after the big meal, I always found myself wondering: what’s the best way to use leftover corned beef? With two little kids at the time, I had to get creative with leftovers. That’s how this Reuben Panini was born!

This recipe transforms a classic Reuben sandwich into a crispy, golden panini-style version with melty Swiss cheese, tangy dressing, and hearty corned beef. Instead of sauerkraut, I use roasted cabbage for added flavor and a hint of caramelization.

If you’re looking for the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Sandwich, this recipe is it, but we loved it so much that now we make it year-round, even when it’s not St. Patrick’s Day!

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

✔ Great for Leftovers – The best way to use leftover corned beef after St. Patrick’s Day.

✔ Crispy & Melty – Think grilled cheese meets a classic Reuben sandwich!

✔ Customizable – Swap corned beef for pastrami, use sauerkraut instead of cabbage, or pick your favorite dressing.

✔ Perfect for Any Time of Year – No leftover corned beef? Grab sliced corned beef or pastrami from the deli to enjoy this Reuben Panini year-round!

Post Contents show

overhead shot of reuben sandwich ingredients using leftover corned beef

What Are the Ingredients in a Reuben?

A classic Reuben sandwich recipe is made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread.

This Reuben Panini puts a unique twist on the classic! Instead of sauerkraut, I use roasted cabbage for extra depth and slight caramelization, making this corned beef sandwich even more flavorful

Reuben Panini Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious, crispy panini-style Reuben sandwich. For exact measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll to the bottom for the FREE printable recipe card!

Cabbage – Roasting it enhances the flavor, but you can swap for sauerkraut.
Lemon – Adds a bright, fresh contrast to the roasted cabbage.
Olive Oil – Used for roasting the cabbage.
Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning.
Stone Ground Mustard & Dijon Mustard – A mix of both adds depth of flavor.
Rye Bread, Pumpernickel, or Marbled Rye – Choose your favorite!
Tangy Russian Dressing – The classic choice, but Thousand Island is a great alternative.
Thinly Sliced Corned Beef or Pastrami – The key ingredient in a Corned Beef Reuben! Use leftover corned beef or get sliced pastrami from the deli.
Swiss Cheese or Gruyère – Melts beautifully and gives that signature Reuben flavor.
Butter – For grilling the sandwich to golden, crispy perfection.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Corned Beef vs. Pastrami – A traditional Reuben sandwich is made with corned beef, but pastrami is a delicious swap. If you don’t have leftover corned beef, you can easily grab sliced pastrami from the deli.
Sauerkraut vs. Roasted Cabbage – This Corned Beef and Cabbage sandwich features roasted cabbage for extra flavor. However, if you prefer a more traditional Reuben sandwich, swap the roasted cabbage for 1 cup of tangy sauerkraut (enough for 2-3 sandwiches).

overhead shot of assembling a reuben sandwich

How to Make a Reuben Panini

Simple Steps for a Crispy, Melty Sandwich!

This crispy St. Patrick’s Day sandwich is easy to customize! Add more mustard, extra Swiss cheese, or adjust the meat to your taste.

Here’s a quick overview of how to make this grilled Reuben recipe:

Roast the cabbage – Toss sliced cabbage with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until tender.
Prepare the bread – Spread Russian dressing (or Thousand Island dressing) on the inside of both slices.
Layer the ingredients – Add corned beef or pastrami, mustard, roasted cabbage (or sauerkraut), and Swiss cheese. Top with the second slice of bread.
Grill until crispy – Butter the outside of the bread and grill in a panini press until golden and melty. No press? Use a skillet and press down with a plate or bacon press.
Slice & serve – Once crispy and gooey, remove from heat, slice, and enjoy!

This is just a quick overview of this reuben sandwich recipe—for full details, see the free printable recipe card at the end of the post!

overhead shot of shredded cabbage with lemon on a parchment lined sheet pan

Recipe Tips

Use the Right Bread – Rye, marbled rye, or pumpernickel work best for that classic Reuben flavor.
Press for Crispy Perfection – A panini press gives you the best golden crust and ensures the cheese melts evenly. No press? Use a skillet and press down with a plate or bacon press.
Don’t Overload the Sandwich – A little goes a long way! Overstuffing makes it harder to grill evenly.
Roasted Cabbage vs. Sauerkraut – Roasting cabbage adds depth and caramelization (and makes this the best corned beef sandwich recipe!), but if you prefer a tangy kick, swap in sauerkraut.
Customize It! – Use pastrami instead of corned beef, swap Gruyère for Swiss, or try Thousand Island dressing instead of Russian dressing.
Make-Ahead Tip – Roast the cabbage in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days to speed up prep time.

reuben sandwich using leftover corned beef on a cutting board with a pickle

What to Serve with This Reuben Panini

This Corned Beef and Cabbage Sandwich is one of my favorite St. Patrick’s Day lunch ideas!

Looking for the perfect side dish to pair with this crispy, melty Reuben Panini? Whether you’re making it for St. Patrick’s Day or just enjoying it as a delicious leftover corned beef sandwich, here are some great serving ideas:

Classic Deli Favorites – Keep it simple with potato chips, potato salad, and a crunchy pickle for that authentic deli-style experience.
St. Patrick’s Day Sides – Pair this with Colcannon or Baked White Cheddar Mac & Cheese with Kale and Bacon (swap in Irish Cheddar for a festive touch!).
Crispy & Savory – Sweet potato fries are a perfect side for this sandwich, adding a crispy, slightly sweet contrast to the tangy Reuben flavors.
Fresh & Light – A simple green salad balances out the richness of the sandwich. Toss together mixed greens, cucumber, shredded carrots, and tomato.
A Fun St. Patrick’s Day Dessert – Finish off your meal with Leprechaun’s Rainbow Cookies for a festive and colorful treat!

close up shot of a reuben sandwich using leftover corned beef on a plate with a pickle

Recipe FAQs

Have questions about making this Reuben Panini? I’ve answered some of the most common ones below! If you don’t see your question here, feel free to leave a comment—I’m happy to help.

Is a Reuben Sandwich Made with Corned Beef or Pastrami?

A traditional Reuben sandwich is made with corned beef, but pastrami is a delicious alternative. The two meats have different flavors—corned beef is saltier and more tender, while pastrami has a smoky, spiced crust.

If you don’t have leftover corned beef, deli-sliced pastrami is a great swap for making this Reuben Panini any time of year. Some grocery store delis carry sliced corned beef, but availability may vary.

Can I Use Leftover Corned Beef from Other Recipes?

Absolutely! If you have leftover corned beef from dishes like Corned Beef and Cabbage or Corned Beef Hash, turn it into a Reuben Sandwich with Leftover Corned Beef for a quick and flavorful meal!

Shred, slice, or chop the corned beef as needed, then assemble the sandwich as directed. The crispy bread and melted Swiss cheese will bring it all together for an easy and flavorful meal!

What Dressing Goes on a Reuben?

A classic Reuben sandwich is traditionally made with Russian dressing, but Thousand Island is a popular alternative.

Russian Dressing – Tangy, slightly spicy, and made with mayonnaise, ketchup, and horseradish.
Thousand Island Dressing – Sweeter and creamier, with pickle relish for a milder flavor.

Both work great—choose Russian for a bolder kick or Thousand Island for a sweeter twist!

What’s the Best Bread for a Reuben?

The best bread for this recipe is rye bread—either classic, marbled, or pumpernickel. Rye adds a slightly tangy, hearty flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

If you don’t have rye bread, you can use:

Sourdough – Sturdy with a great crunch when grilled.
Multigrain Bread – Adds texture and flavor.

No matter which bread you choose, butter the outside before grilling to get that crispy, golden-brown crust!

Can I Make a Reuben sandwich with Roast Beef?

Yes! While a traditional Reuben sandwich is made with corned beef, you can swap it for roast beef if that’s what you have on hand.

The flavor will be slightly different—roast beef is milder and less salty than corned beef, but when paired with Swiss cheese, dressing, and rye bread, it still makes a delicious sandwich!

If you’re looking for a twist, try making a Roast Beef Reuben Panini with the same grilling method!

How Can I Make a Panini Without a Panini Press?

No panini press? No problem! You can still get that crispy, golden-brown crust using a skillet or frying pan:

Heat a skillet over medium-low heat.
Place the sandwich in the pan and press it down with a plate, bacon press, or a brick wrapped in foil for even grilling.
Flip and grill the other side until the bread is crispy and the cheese is fully melted.

This method works just as well for making a grilled Reuben sandwich at home!

Let’s Talk Sandwiches!

How do you make your Reuben sandwich? Some love extra Swiss cheese, others tweak the dressing, and some swap corned beef for pastrami—what’s your favorite version?

Do you stick with the classic, or do you have a fun variation? Leave a comment and a star rating below! Your feedback helps other readers and always makes my day.

On Instagram? Tag @goodlifeeats and use #goodlifeeatsrecipes to show off your crispy, melty creation!

More of My Best Sandwiches

If you love grilled sandwiches, here are a few more warm, melty, and toasty favorites to try:

Apple Bacon Grilled Cheese – A flavor-packed twist on the classic! Cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, tart green apple, and caramelized onions come together between two slices of toasted sourdough.
Slow Cooker French Dip Panini – This French Dip sandwich gets a crispy panini makeover, making it perfect for dunking in savory au jus.
Bacon and Brie Grilled Cheese with Jam – Crispy, salty bacon, soft melted Brie, and a hint of sweet jam on rustic bread—it’s pure comfort food.

Want more grilled, melty sandwich inspiration? Check out my full collection of sandwich recipes!

Stay Inspired in the Kitchen!

Want more easy St. Patrick’s Day recipes? Sign up for the Good Life Eats Newsletter and get:

✔ Tasty recipes—from classic favorites to creative twists like this Reuben Panini.
✔ Seasonal meal ideas—perfect for using up leftovers and making the most of fresh ingredients.
✔ Kitchen tips & cooking tricks—helping you cook with confidence and creativity.

What are your favorite St. Patrick’s Day Recipes?

Reuben Sandwich

Yield: 4 sandwiches

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

This Reuben Sandwich is a great way to use up leftover St. Patrick's Day corned beef. This unique reuben sandwich recipe features roasted cabbage, melted Swiss cheese, and corned beef. Imagine the combination of a grilled cheese sandwich and a great reuben - it's the perfect sandwich!

Ingredients

For the Cabbage

1/4 head Cabbage
1/2 a large Lemon
1 tbsp Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper

For the Sandwich

2 tbsp Stone Ground Mustard
2 tbsp Dijon Mustard
8 slices Pumpernickel or Rye Sandwich Bread
3 tbsp Thousand Island or Russian Dressing
3/4 pound thinly sliced Pastrami or Corned Beef
1/2 pound sliced Swiss or Gruyere Cheese
Lemon Roasted Cabbage

Instructions

To Prepare the Lemon Roasted Cabbage

Preheat oven to 425˚ F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
Thinly slice the cabbage.
Place the thinly sliced cabbage on the lined baking sheet.
Drizzle the cabbage with the juice of half a lemon and the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper according to personal preference and toss to coat evenly.
Roast the cabbage until tender, about 7-15 minutes, checking occasionally on the progress.

To Assemble the Reuben Sandwich

Meanwhile, add the stone ground and Dijon mustard to a small bowl.
Stir to combine. Set aside for later use.
Spread both insides of both slices of bread with a thin layer Thousand Island or Russian dressing.
Add a few slices of the pastrami or corned beef, however much meat you prefer. I used about 3-4 slices per sandwich.
Spread mustard on top of the meat.
Divide the roasted cabbage evenly between the four sandwiches, placing it on top of the mustard-covered meat.
Top the cabbage with 2-3 slices of cheese.
Top with the other slice of bread.

To Grill The Reuben

Grill using a panini press or in a cast iron skillet. If using a skillet, you can press down on the sandwich with a weighted plate to mimic the panini press.
Flip and cook the other side.
Then slice and serve.

Notes

How Can I Make this without a Panini Press?

If you want to make this Grilled Reuben Sandwich without a panini press, you can use a small skillet or frying pan and grill the sandwich over medium low heat.

To mimic the panini press, you can press down on the sandwich with a weighted plate, a bacon press, or a brick wrapped with aluminum foil.

Reuben Panini

Creating this Reuben Panini

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

What Are the Ingredients in a Reuben?